Adidas Jerseys for N.B.A. To Be Manufactured Outside of U.S.A.

Friday 27th of November 2009 01:28:53 AM

Adidas is the official maker so basketball team jerseys and shorts for the U.S.A. National Basketball Association. Basketball in the United States is seen as very “American” and sports supporters expect the gear to be made by U.S. companies. So it was a surprise when Adidas announced it would be manufacturing the promotional clothing overseas.

Not only were fans upset but the production move would mean a loss of jobs in the current factory. Adidas now used American Classic Outfitters in New York. Moving the uniform manufacturing to another country could lead to a loss of 100 jobs in the factory. New York Senator Schumer was quoted as saying, “It is flat wrong for Adidas to move the production of jerseys worn by N.B.A. players outside the United States when there are U.S. companies that have done this work so well and for so long.”

The American Classic Outfitters plant has already started reducing its production line staff. Many feel that American sports teams should wear American made clothing. But it comes down to economics. Asia has developed a new fabric and it will be made in a plant in Thailand. It will save Adidas a significant amount of money to move production close to where the fabric is actually made. The current American plant produces over half of the N.B.A. shirts. American Classic Outfitters also makes uniforms for athletic teams in high schools and colleges. The plant manager said, “We are going to do everything we can to keep this facility going at the level it was going. We’ll be pursuing new business.”. Adidas explained that it would save the company money to move the production of the team clothing, but that it still makes uniforms at a number of other North American plants.